Sheet Music and Plenty of it...

Robin has always composed and arranged music. Some of our regular readers may remember the, 'Fandango in the Fridge' post...

Recently he has been extremely busy preparing many pieces for download with one simple click.

There are now nearly 60 such pieces available from Sheet Music Plus, for a variety of instruments.

The majority are guitar based, either solo or duo, but there are also arrangements for guitar and voice, flute and guitar, string quartet, piano and many more!

Many of the pieces are original compositions, such as, 'Return to Islay', or, 'Canzone', both for solo guitar, but also original compositions for guitar duos such as, 'Esercizio No.1 'Tarantella' for two guitars'.

For those with an interest in flamenco guitar you could try, 'Fiesta de Xabia' which is a fiery and lively piece.

However, there are also piano pieces, 'Joydance' being one.

Arranging music has played a huge role in Robin's life as a musician and he has always spent a great deal of time arranging, performing and recording the pieces of historical giants within the world of classical music. Some examples are, 'Prelude No 1 from The Well-Tempered Clavier, J.S.Bach, 'Sonata L.483 for solo guitar', Domenico Scarlatti, 'Rigaudon (arranged for two guitars)', Georg Frederic Handel, 'Escorregando (arranged for flute & Guitar)', Ernesto Nazareth, 'Pavane (Op.50 arranged for two guitars)', Gabriel Faure, and many, many more!

Traditional music, whether, Irish, or Christmas, can also be found.

There are too many pieces to mention individually here, but please feel free to have a look around on Sheet Music Plus and check back frequently as new compositions and arrangements are being added all the time.

If you feel a few Skype lessons could help get your fingers around some of the trickier pieces, well, just send me a message, and if there's any requests for a particular piece, well, you only have to ask.

To Eat or Not To Eat - Before A Concert

The other day I had an idle thought which I put to my Twitter followers.
Basically I was interested in the eating habits of the musicians amongst them.
The tweet said,

"To the musicians out there. Do you like to eat before a performance or do you prefer to wait until afterwards?"

I was very pleased when I received replies from soprano/pianist Barbara Rathbone, classical musician Jamie Pullman and oboe/English horn player, Patty Mitchell.

I have written before about musicians requirements in preparation of a concert.
Here's an example, 'Sex, Drugs and Classical Music', and another, 'Nigel Kennedy - Running on Pure Adrenaline'.

But this related more to the use of Beta Blockers, not the daily requirement of food.

However I have also discussed Robin's needs pre concert here, with, 'Bananas on the High Seas and Bottom E', and 'From, Fish - Brain Food for Musicians, to Oscar Peterson, to Elgar.'

Robin always eats before a performance, whether it is classical, or with a band. But there is a difference. When playing with a band he just feels better if he has eaten, but if performing a classical concert, he needs to.
I believe this is something to do with not only the increased pressure he feels when playing classical concerts, but also, the level of concentration that is required of him.
He's not alone in this.
The renowned guitarist, Julian Bream, has said that he always has a plentiful supply of sandwiches backstage to eat before his concert.

But you do have to watch these musicians.
There's an amusing anecdote around Handel and his dietary requirements.
He was frequently known, when entertaining guests, to suddenly announce he had a musical idea, and to leave the room.
The 'idea' was simply that he kept his high quality wine in his music room, whilst serving a cheaper version to his guests, and had simply 'nipped' out for a quick drink...
Whether or not the great man ate before a concert is not known but I would be extremely surprised if he didn't!

Getting back to the results of this highly unscientific research, well, the results were mixed.

Barbara, a singer, always eats after a performance as she finds eating before affects here voice. When I asked about the energy required to perform, she acknowledged it was adrenaline that got her through.

This is completely understandable. A singers needs are very different to other instruments.

The orchestral player Jamie Pullman had a different approach. If performing with the orchestra he ate before, but if with his quartet, then afterwards.
The increased exposure, and therefore pressure, of the quartet performance appears to alter his needs. Although he did add that he found it easier to concentrate on the music if he was 'uncomfortable' due to being hungry.

Patty Mitchell, another orchestral player, always eats before a performance, although only a small amount. I assume this is provide just the required amount of energy without causing discomfort.

It seems, as you would expect, that every musician has their own way of dealing with the question of whether to eat before or after a performance.
It also appears that nerves/stress, the need to focus on the job in hand, and the ability to concentrate all play a part.

From observing Robin perform over many years I know the amount of energy he expends when on stage. Yes, when you watch a programme about classical musicians and see them sweating away under the bright lights, it's all true, not just sprayed on for effect.

But there was one aspect to all this that struck me.
Only 'classical' musicians amongst my twitter followers responded to the question.
Initially I had addressed it to all musicians.
There could be many reasons for this.
They may not have been 'watching' at the time the tweet was posted, they could have been busy doing other things rather than replying to a random tweet from me, or they simply may not have felt the issue was important to them for their particular style of playing.
This in itself raises more questions so I would love to hear from musicians from all walks of life to hear their views.

BBC Composers of the Year

The BBC are doing an excellent job, on both Radio and TV, promoting 'Composers of the Year'.
This weekend BBC Radio 3 are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn's birth with many hours of fabulous music. For more details you can visit here.

However, they also have a specific site dedicated to the 'Composers of the Year', Purcell, Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn, with lots of information and audio extracts.

They even have a snazzy little button to make life easy for you!



As if that weren't enough, Conductor, 'Charles Hazlewood', is presenting, 'The Birth of British Music' on BBC 2 tonight at 8pm, commencing with 'Purcell:The Londoner'.

So, if you can't get to Robin's concert tonight, there are plenty of other inspiring and uplifting events going on, both on Radio and Television.

If you require even more Mendelssohn, then there is always, Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo performing 'Song Without Words Op62.No1' on their 'Arrival' CD, Track 8, found here, iTunes, and many other digital outlets.

So have a good weekend!

Review: Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper

On the 28th August Robin and the soprano Izzy Cooper performed a concert in Spain, 'Viva La Classica'.
I mentioned how it had gone at the time, rather briefly, as I was in the process of retrieving my son before he became stranded, when his Dad flew off to another concert.
You can read the post here.

So I was very pleased, when yesterday I was notified about a review, written by Jack Troughton, in 'Round Town News'.
I was even happier when I read the first line, "The golden blend of Izzy Cooper's powerful voice and the glorious guitar playing of Robin Hill made Viva La Classica an enchanting success."

The programme was a varied one:

Act 1:

Les filles de Cadix - Leo Delibes
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas - Manuel de Falla
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 - Heitor Villa-Lobos

Un Dia de Noviembre - Leo Brouwer (solo - Robin Hill)
Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Francisco Tarrega (solo - Robin Hill)
Malaguena - trad arr.Hill (solo - Robin Hill)

En Aranjuez, con tu amor - Joaquin Rodrigo
Granada - Agustin Lara
Tu Quieres Volver - Gypsy Kings


Act 11:

Lascia Ch'io Pianga - George Frederic Handel
Plaisir D'Amour - Jean Paul Martini
Scarborough Fair - Simon and Garfunkel
Fields of Gold - Sting
Ave Maria - Charles Gounod

Tango en Skai - Roland Dyens (solo - Robin Hill)
Cavatina - Stanley Myres (solo - Robin Hill)
Asturias - Isaac Albeniz arr.Hill (solo - Robin Hill)

My love is like a red red rose - Robbie Burns
Somewhere over the rainbow - E Y Harburg & Harold Arlen
O Mio Babbino Caro - Giacomo Puccini
Imagine - John Lennon
Por ti Sere - Brendan Graham & Rolf Lovland


Here's a photo, courtesy of Round Town News, of Robin whilst performing one of the solo pieces.
The more observant amongst you will notice the lack of footstool. He is in fact, on this occasion, using a special cushion, designed to mould to the shape of the leg.



The review itself is a great one.
Izzy is described as a, "star", and Robin, "holds an audience spellbound", and one line I particularly like, " His fingers flew along the guitar's neck like the wings of a hummingbird."
But don't take my word for it. Follow the link and read it for yourself, "One Enchanted Evening".
Both Izzy and Robin are delighted at the reception they received, and have already been taking orders for the album they will be recording together.

My job, to find a time in their busy schedules to make that possible....and soon.

Coffee in Alicante

We have had a strange few days.
Robin and son left Crystal Serenity some time ago.
To prove Robin did actually do a concert whilst there, here's the poster:



And this was taken during the sound check:




They then spent a few days in Spain preparing for the concert with Izzy Cooper. This is one of many rehearsals:



Apparently the concert was a huge success.
The beautiful setting was the perfect backdrop for a lovely concert, with a programme that included pieces by Leo Delibes, Manuel de Falla, Villa-Lobos, Leo Brouwer, Tarrega, Joaquin Rodrigo, Handel, Puccini and many more, and there was even a firework display at the end!
I'm hoping to get some pictures at some point, but I do know that the audience had a wonderful evening.
Despite some technical problems, which required Robin to tell a few jokes whilst the team sorted it out, all went extremely well.
So successful was the event that a recording will hopefully be made in the next few months.
It was 2am before the audience finally let the pair go, so it was rather a tired party that arrived to meet me at the airport.

Not that I minded.
I'd been up incredibly early myself in order to arrive in Spain at 11 am....
The reason for this madness??
Well, when it was arranged that son number one would accompany Robin on the Crystal trip we thought they would both be returning home at the end of it.

After all flights were booked and plans made, it became obvious that the only available date for the Robin and Izzy to perform, was the 28th August.
So, the Hill men were diverted to Spain.

Unfortunately, Robin then had to fly straight off to Malta...
So, on Friday, I flew over to Spain to collect my son, before he became an abandoned child.
We had checked out all possibilities for him to fly solo, but unbelievably it isn't possible between Alicante and Manchester before he is 12 years old!!

Actually, it did at least mean that I briefly met Izzy, and also had a whole 2 hours with my husband.
Obviously coffee and a sandwich in Alicante airport isn't the romantic of settings, but when he's away for a month anything is a bonus.

The time sadly flew by, and before we knew it there was a tearful farewell, as Robin boarded a plane to Malta.
Son and I then spent many hours sitting in the sun, outside the airport, catching up with news, before our flight home.

Now Robin has joined the Queen Victoria where he has two concerts over the next week, the first one today.

More on that soon. Hopefully.

Quiet in the Med, Interest in Cuckoo Clocks and Handling Handel

It has been remarkably quiet out in the Mediterranean sea today.
Other than hearing that Robin had enjoyed a very pleasant alfresco breakfast, on board Crystal Serenity, there has been little news.
I do know that the first of his two guitar concerts takes place tomorrow, so Robin will be hard at work preparing.

This lack of information left me with time to contemplate the latest batch of unusual Google searches.
Why has there been a sudden interest in cuckoo clocks?
A number of different people have recently been searching cuckoo clocks and found themselves here.
I can only assume it is due to one, or both, of these old posts.

The first was back in January 2007, 'Pierre Petit and the Cuckoo Clock Pendulum', which looked at Robin's uncanny ability to judge tempo, acquired after many years of foot tapping.

Or maybe it was, 'Cuckoo Clocks and Microphones', from 2006.
Either way, I hope they found what they were looking for.

There was another search that I haven't been able to figure out.
"Robin Handel you can't Handel Me"
The mind boggles with that one....

Track 1 - 'Arrival' - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - G.F.Handel

Track one on 'Arrival' is appropriately, 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759).

Handel was a German-born Baroque composer famous for his operas, oratorios and concerti grossi.
He was born in Halle in 1685, the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti.

Handel showed considerable musical talent, on both harpsichord and pipe organ, from an early age, and had already begun composing by the age of 9.
Although born in Germany he spent most of his adult life living in England and made his home permanently in London in 1712.
The house that he rented, on Brook Street, has since become a museum, 'Handel House', and is well worth a visit.
The house, coincidentally, is next door to one that Jimi Hendrix occupied for some time, thus combining two of Robin's greatest musical influences within a few feet of each other!

It was during this period that many of Handel's greatest works were composed, Messiah, Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks to name just a few.
The Oratorio became the national musical speciality owing mainly to Handel's efforts.

The 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' comes from the oratorio 'Solomon', which was first performed in London in 1748.
Handel's scoring of this piece was originally for two oboes and strings, but the dialogue between the two oboes works effectively on two guitars, as does the remaining string writing.
This is one of Robin's first arrangements for two guitars.

For those interested in details, at the time of this recording both Robin and Peter Wiltschinsky were playing guitars made by the luthier 'David Rubio'.

For now though, go over and have a listen to the 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', and as one review said, "Has the Queen of Sheba ever made such an exhilarating arrival?"

Robin Hill and Peter Wiltschinsky 'Arrival'

"Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar - save perhaps two."
Frederic Chopin

Here are the sleeve notes to the CD we have just released, 'Arrival'.
Written by the Editor of Classical Guitar Magazine, Colin Cooper:

"The brilliance of Ida Presti and Alexandre Lagoya set standards of duo guitar playing that have seldom been equalled. The form is a difficult one. Accuracy and precision are of course prime essentials, but the best duos are welded together by something more: a unity of purpose a spirit of excitement and even adventure, an ability not only to play as one instrument but also to think as one musician.

Robin Hill and Peter Wiltschinsky, on the evidence of this recording, have that rare capacity. Their performances are alive, zestful, invigorating. It will make new friends for their exuberant playing, and new friends too for the guitar duo form in which so much can be accomplished.

Some of the pieces are familiar; some not so familiar, though they deserve to be. All are hugely enjoyable. Hill and Wiltschinsky demonstrate their very wide range by adapting their style successfully to every new requirement, from the English lute tradition of John Johnson to the 20th century composer, Pierre Petit. The Bach invention could scarcely be better chosen; light, airy, fast, it nourishes as it dazzles - perfection in 45 seconds. And has the Queen of Sheba ever made such an exhilarating arrival?

It gives me much pleasure to introduce this remarkable record - as much pleasure as I think it will give to those who listen to it."

Colin Cooper

What more can I say?
Follow this link, or click on the picture in the side bar, to have a listen.
Next week I shall tell you a little about each piece of music, and also, the strange, and at times rather intriguing, history of this particular recording.

Track 5: 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' - Handel and Cecilia Bartoli's 'Maria'

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) began composing at the age of 9 having already shown considerable musical talent on the harpsichord and pipe organ.

He had a turbulent relationship with his father who insisted he studied law in 1702. However, after his father's death, Handel abandoned law for music.

He lived for some time in London, at 25 Brook Street, which is currently the 'Handel House Museum'.
I know that this is well worth a visit, as Robin went a few years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed a personal tour by a very knowledgeable guide. He came home inspired by his visit and full of numerous anecdotes. He was doubly delighted to find that Jimi Hendrix had lived in the house next door!

Handel was a composer that was, and is, held in high esteem by fellow composers.
In 1824 Beethoven is quoted as saying:

"Handel is the greatest composer who ever lived. I would bare my head and kneel at his grave."

Bach:

"Handel is the only person I would wish to see before I die, and the only person I would wish to be, were I not Bach."

Mozart:

"Handel understands effect better than any of us. When he chooses, he strikes like a thunder bolt."

Really you can let the music speak for itself.

Robin originally recorded his own arrangement of 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' with Peter Wiltschinsky on their album, 'Virtuoso Music for Two Guitars' on the Hyperion label.
I was interested to find that details of this album are held in the 'International Guitar Research Archive', in the Oviatt Library on the campus of California State University.

Today's version of the 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', which comes from the oratario, 'Solomon', is a solo guitar and orchestra arrangement. The piece is eminently suited to performance on the guitar with its rapid scales and arpeggios, the original dialogue between two oboes being replaced by guitar and recorder.

When you have finished downloading this piece, I strongly recommend you go over to iTunes and download Cecilia Bartoli's new album, 'Maria'.
It's fantastic, and you can read all about Cecilia's passion for the Spanish mezzo-soprano, Maria Malibran, here, in an article by Rupert Christiansen.

Announcing CD Baby's New Baby - Robin Hill's 'Virtuoso'

It is an exciting day here, and for all those people who have asked when they can download Robin's 'Virtuoso' CD, or buy a hard copy, well, now you can.

We are working in partnership with CD Baby, and as of today the entire CD, or selected tracks, can be purchased through our page, 'Robin Hill - Virtuoso'.

CD Baby are one of the largest distributors of music to Apple iTunes, Napster, and many other retailers, so over the next few weeks you will see the CD appearing in many different places.

'Virtuoso' includes many pieces from the standard classical guitar repertoire, alongside new compositions and even an Irish Jig!

Personal favourites, well, that's very difficult to say.
I do love 'Asturias' by Albeniz, and 'Eternal Dance', which is the first movement from a work for guitar and orchestra, composed by Robin himself, both are certainly at the top of my list.
But then 'Danza Brasilera', by Jorge Morel has long been a favourite of mine, as has 'Xodo da Baiana' by Dilermando Reis.

Robin's own compositions are always very popular in concert, but if you want Handel, Gaspar Sanz, Eric Satie, Agustin Barrios, Francisco Tarrega or Mauro Giuliani, then they are all there.

The best thing to do is go over to the site, have a look, and a listen, and of course, feel free to buy!

Over the coming months many more Cd's will become available and I shall update you as we go along.
But for now, enjoy...

Robin Hill's 'Unofficial' Desert Island Discs

Today I decided that I would quiz Robin on the choices he would make for the long running BBC Radio 4 programme, 'Desert Island Discs'.

Each week a guest is invited to choose 8 pieces of music, a book, and a luxury item, which they are allowed to take with them to a desert island. The castaway is also issued with a copy of the Bible and the complete works of Shakespeare.
The whole concept of the programme is a wonderful one, and we frequently listen in. Whoever the guest may be, it is always interesting, and I guess that's why it has been running since 1942!
Currently the show is presented by Kirsty Young.

As I started questioning, Robin wasn't fooled, and within seconds he had worked out what I was up to, but I must say, he was very obliging!
So here are Robin's choices - in no particular order:

1)Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D Major.
Performed by 'Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin'.

Robin initially heard this piece performed by Jack Loussier, and the jazz version so intrigued him, that he was inspired to explore the original.
He loves the piece because it is like a hugely uplifting musical kaleidoscope , with intricate contrapuntal conversations between three soloists (violin, flute and harpsicord). The first movement culminates with a highly virtuosic cadenza for the harpsichord and a triumphant return of the main theme.

2) What is Hip?
This track is by 'Tower of Power', and has to be the ultimate 'funk' tune, superbly played by the tightest band in the universe.

3)Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.
Robin's favourite is actually 'Peter's theme' performed on strings.
As a small boy he avidly watched a T.V. programme called 'Zoo Time' with Desmond Morris.
Although he didn't realise it at the time, the theme music for this programme was from Prokofiev's 'Peter and the Wolf', and it just goes to show how we are profoundly affected by music from a very young age.

4) Armando's Rhumba.
This is by Chick Corea and the piece was dedicated to his father 'Armando'.
Robin has long been a fan of Chick Corea and has in fact made several arrangements of his pieces for various combinations of instruments.
We also have a couple of letters from Chick himself who is equally complimentary about Robin's music!

5)Rodrigo's Concerto Madrigal.
Joaquin Rodrigo composed many pieces for the guitar and this is one of Robin's favourites, particularly the movement, Giradilla (Presto).
The recording he most enjoys is that of Pepe and Angel Romero as it is the most incredible feat of virtuosity by two of the best players on the planet.
Hill/Wiltschinsky have performed this piece but sadly not recorded it.

6)Because.
Robin chose 'Because' from The Beatles 'Love' album as it is the version with the backing harmonies only. It's very poignant to hear distant birdsong from the trees outside Abbey Road studio, and shows incredible insight into the harmonies The Beatles were capable of, and how well they could sing them when not being deafened by screaming Beatlemaniacs.

7)The Boho Dance.
The Boho Dance is from Joni Mitchell's album 'The Hissing of Summer Lawns' which was released in 1975.
Robin is a huge fan of Joni Mitchell and this is just one of many of her works that he feels are masterpieces.

8)Handel's Rinaldo:Aria: Lascia ch'io Pianga.
Robin's all time favourite recording of this is by Cecilia Bartoli with 'The Academy of Ancient Music' conducted by Christopher Hogwood.
Robin heard her perform this at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and it's hard to imagine a finer interpretation.

All hapless castaways are also allowed a book and one luxury item.
The book Robin chose is by the American novelist John Cheever, and really, it could be any collection of his short stories.
They offer perfect insight into American life and life in general.
(and whoever it is who borrowed our copy could you please return it....!!)

Finally, the luxury item, and I don't think there will be any surprises here.
One of his Miguel Rodriguez guitars of course. Although he has been rather cheeky and asked for a huge supply of strings - I'm not sure if that will be allowed.

One final note.
Whilst these are definitely all favourites, if I had asked Robin on another day, we may have had a completely different list of pieces. But then that's the beauty of music.

From Arise 'Sir Loin' to Green Day to Cecilia Bartoli

Yesterday Robin played a private function at Hoghton Tower.
This has long been one of our favourite places to visit, as it is so beautiful, and steeped in history.
This ancient, fortified manor house, has had many distinguished guests over the years.
King James I, William III, George V and Queen Mary all visited.
It is also well documented that William Shakespeare spent a lengthy period of time there between 1580-1581, writing a short story in the process.

Rumour has it, that when James I visited, he so enjoyed the loin of beef that he was served, that he took out his sword and knighted it, "Sir Loin", thus giving us the term 'sirloin steak'.

So, Robin was able to perform in the same rooms as some rather eminent people, which always gives him a great deal of pleasure.

We haven't had our Sunday morning quiz for a while. Mainly due to Robin's commitments.
Today, whilst not the usual quiz, we did enjoy some varied music whilst relaxing with coffee.
We started with 'Green Day', 'Wake Me Up When September Ends', and then, by complete contrast, 'Cecilia Bartoli', 'Rinaldo: Aria: Lascia ch'io pianga' by Handel, from 'The Art of Cecilia Bartoli'.

Variety is, after all, the spice of life.

YouTube video - Robin Hill

Today I have decided to post Robin's YouTube video on the site. It gives me the opportunity to explain a little about each of the pieces, or rather extracts, that you hear, and for those interested in watching a guitarist at work, you can see what Robin is doing!
As the opening credits role, you can hear, 'Eternal Dance', this is the first movement of 'Concerto Latino' for guitar and orchestra. It features a driving 5/8 rhythm with some occasional 7/8. It begins with solo guitar and light timpani roll before the orchestra then state the theme. This piece was originally composed for Robin's quartet, 'Eklectica', but he then expanded it onto an orchestral canvas.

The first piece that you can watch as well as listen to, is 'Return to Islay'. This piece was inspired during a visit to this remote Hebridean island during a tour with Hill/Wiltschinsky.
Although Robin had never visited the island before he felt the place was strangely familiar, hence the title, 'Return to Islay'.

'Dolor de Muelas' has a freewheeling samba groove and contains much improvisation. As for the title, well, translated it means toothache...The piece was composed and recorded during a very violent bout of toothache. I wish I was so productive when I didn't feel well...

'Canarios' by Gasper Sanz dates from the mid 1600s and was originally for baroque guitar. As the title suggests this lively jig hails from the Canary Islands and many will know this theme from the last movement of Joaquin Rodrigo's, 'Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre' - composed for Andres Segovia in 1953.

With the closing credits you can hear, 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', which comes from the oratario, 'Solomon' by George Frideric Handel. It is eminently suited to performance on the guitar with it's rapid scales and arpeggios, the original dialogue between two oboes being replaced by guitar and recorder.

Over on YouTube many of the comments have been about Robin's technique, so here's an opportunity to observe him.

Recording For Teldec With Sutured Finger....

After reading, 'Painful gig story from Don Mincher', over on, 'Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog', and leaving a comment, I feel I should tell the whole story here.

Some years ago, the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo were asked by Teldec to record two new albums, 'Les Deux Amis' and 'The Sound of Strings', with a five week break between each album.
This is, of course, an honour, from such a well respected label.
The duo obviously spent many weeks in preparation for their trip to Berlin.
One week prior to departure, Robin, who is so careful with his hands, cut the index finger of his left hand, opening a tin can.
This required a visit to the local Accident and Emergency department, where a very anxious doctor, was given the job of suturing a musician's finger....

There was no way Robin would cancel the recording.
He continued his rehearsal as well as he could, and a few days later, set off for Berlin.
The duo quickly got into the recording, and Robin was able to transcend the pain and focus on some rather demanding music. The sound engineer found the blood and sweat (but no tears) rather difficult to deal with, but he just had to focus on the mixing desk.

The music ranged from 'Suite Italiana', composed for the duo by Mario Gangi, Fernando Sor, Pierre Petit, J.S.Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn, Scarlatti, Rossini, Faure, Falla, Tarrega and many more, plus their own compositions.

For Robin, the main problem was barring, as the left index finger is under a lot of pressure, but he managed it.

The duo were so delighted when the last piece was finally recorded that they celebrated by walking into Berlin. They didn't appear to notice that it was a 12 mile hike, each way, until they got up next morning to discover the blisters - on their feet...